We have a selection of zebra mbuna fish living in Crocodile Swamp, spread across the Sunda gharial and Northern caiman lizard exhibits.
Mbuna (um-boo-na) means rockfish and is a name used to describe several species of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi, East Africa. They are mouthbrooding fish – the female holds the eggs and young fish in her mouth until they are old enough to escape predators. Around 20 days after laying her eggs, the mother will spit her young out to fend for themselves. If you look closely you may see young fish in the pools!
Interesting facts!
- Zebra mbunas come in a variety of colours, including blue, orange, and yellow, often with striking vertical stripes that give them their zebra-like appearance.
- Despite their small size, zebra mbunas are known for their feisty behavior. Males are particularly aggressive, defending their territories from intruders with gusto.
- Males are typically more vibrant in color, especially when they’re ready to breed, while females and juveniles often have more subdued hues.
Conservation
The zebra mbuna is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They are native to Lake Malawi, where they are widespread and found in rocky habitats along the lake’s shoreline. However their survival depends on maintaining the health of their natural habitat and mitigating human impacts on Lake Malawi. Conservation efforts for the lake benefit not just the zebra mbuna but the entire ecosystem.